BRIAN ELLAM B.Mus (Hons) PGCE BEM
Brian learned to read music and play the cornet through brass bands in Yorkshire, reaching an early peak as Solo Cornet player with Marsden Silver Prize Band at the age of 16. At Cardiff University, Brian switched to the trumpet for orchestral experience, and gained an Honours Degree in Music before training as a school Music teacher.
The most enjoyable and rewarding part of his jobs in three Secondary schools in the Midlands and Welsh borders has been to run brass and jazz groups and see them perform in the local community. He recently addressed a shortage of trombonists in the area by setting up a project to inspire new young learners, and by switching to the instrument himself!
As well as Chepstow Town Band, Brian is the Musical Director of Chepstow Community Big Band and its Microjazz Training Band. He also promotes local live music through BEspoke Music Services and set up Chepstow Community Music Centre in September 2015.
Brian's wife Leigh Ann was born in Cardiff, and they have a daughter and two sons - all in their twenties.
Brian learned to read music and play the cornet through brass bands in Yorkshire, reaching an early peak as Solo Cornet player with Marsden Silver Prize Band at the age of 16. At Cardiff University, Brian switched to the trumpet for orchestral experience, and gained an Honours Degree in Music before training as a school Music teacher.
The most enjoyable and rewarding part of his jobs in three Secondary schools in the Midlands and Welsh borders has been to run brass and jazz groups and see them perform in the local community. He recently addressed a shortage of trombonists in the area by setting up a project to inspire new young learners, and by switching to the instrument himself!
As well as Chepstow Town Band, Brian is the Musical Director of Chepstow Community Big Band and its Microjazz Training Band. He also promotes local live music through BEspoke Music Services and set up Chepstow Community Music Centre in September 2015.
Brian's wife Leigh Ann was born in Cardiff, and they have a daughter and two sons - all in their twenties.